Durban businessman Chockalingam “Roy” Moodley has affirmed his continued pursuit of acquiring Royal AM’s Betway Premiership status.

Despite being named the Successful Offeror and granted three days to finalize payment after fulfilling all obligations, Moodley’s payment failed to reach the South African Revenue Service (SARS), causing the deal to collapse on Thursday.

Subsequently, curator Jaco Venter informed the PSL Executive Committee, who were scheduled to convene to discuss Royal AM’s participation in their remaining fixtures.

SARS has indicated that Global Investment, Moodley’s company, will face legal action for damages resulting from the failed transaction. However, Sportswire has learned that Moodley remains determined to purchase the club.

In an interview with the Sunday Tribune, Moodley stated, “We did not fail to pay. This statement (from curator) is unacceptable. 

“Payment was not the problem; the undertaking from the sellers was not forthcoming especially that Royal AM would not be able to complete the 19 games in the specified period. There are lots of wrongful opinions floating.”

Moodley will host a press conference in the coming days to share more information about this failed bid to buy Royal AM, and Sportswire has been informed and invited to it.

Royal AM has 19 remaining Betway Premiership matches, having last played on 29 December in a loss to TS Galaxy. The club currently sits at the bottom of the table with eight points from 11 matches.  

Moodley’s interest in acquiring Royal AM marks his entry into sports ownership. He is a controversial figure, having been linked to high-profile State Capture scandals in South Africa and is known to be a close associate of former President Jacob Zuma.  

In 2023, Moodley’s security firm, Royal Security, was awarded a R282 million contract by the DA-led Western Cape provincial government for security services at government-owned properties over two years, a decision the Democratic Alliance attempted to block.  

Due to the current impasse, Sportswire has learned that the PSL is considering forgoing relegation this season and potentially expanding the league to 18 teams for the 2025/26 season.

This decision, contingent on PSL Executive Committee approval, may involve promoting the top two clubs from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to achieve the 18-team structure.